BRIGHTON: ON THE WHISTLE MATCH REPORT

11 February 2017

Ash Willis

Nigel Clough was without last week's hero Cauley Woodrow as he missed out through a calf injury, Chris O'Grady not able to face his parent club.

GOAL: Neither team created any chances within the opening ten minutes, but Brighton took the lead on 12 minutes when Anthony Knockaert delivered a low ball from the right which went all the way through to Tomer Hemed at the back post who was there to tap home (1-0).

There wasn't much between the teams as we approached the break, and a change of formation for the Brewers saw Lucas Akins partner Marvin Sordell up front.

Solly March has broken into the first team for the Seagulls this season and nearly got himself on the assist list as he made way down the left and drilled the ball across the face of goal but his cross evaded everybody as the Brewers survived until half time.

HT: Brighton and Hove Albion 1-0 Burton Albion FC

GOAL: Within two minutes of the re-start the home side doubled their lead as Solly March got in behind the Brewers defence and played the ball into Sam Baldock as slid in at the near post and ensure the ball crossed the line (2-0).

Nigel Clough's men found their feet in the second half, despite the early goal. Lasse Vigen Christensen delivered a delightful ball from the left with Lucas Akins the target but Lewis Dunk got their first to deny a good opportunity for the Brewers.

GOAL: Against the run of play it was the home side that went on to score a third goal. Solly March wriggled his way into the box and jumped away from John Mousinho before falling to the floor and winning a penalty kick. Tomer Hemed stepped up and scored his second of the game (3-0).

Marvin Sordell is yet to open his Brewers account and the closest he came in this game is when he found himself in space 12 yards from goal but his effort was brilliantly saved by David Stockdale.

GOAL: Michael Kightly scored on his Brewers debut last week, and he grabbed another 75 minutes into the game from a well-placed free kick some 12 yards which found its way into the top right corner (3-1).

Luke Varney punctured a lung on his Albion debut against Watford in the FA Cup na dhe made his come back against Brighton as he replaced Lasse Vigen Christensen with ten minutes left.

GOAL: Brighton were able to bring the services of Glenn Murray off the bench, and he got himself a goal when Anthony Knockaert swung in a cross from the left before the Brighton forward headed home from six yards (4-1).